Friday, April 30, 2010

Ustad Barkat Ali Khan (1905-1962) has left a lasting impression on various genres of Hindustani light classical music. He was younger brother of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. By several accounts Barkat Ali Khan was a superior Thumri singer but had to content himself by playing second fiddle to his elder brother.

After partition of India, Barkat Ali Khan migrated to Pakistan and concentrated on the lighter aspects of Hindustani classical music. He made a great contribution to North Indian light classical music. He was acknowledged as one of the greatest Thumri, Dadra, Geet and Ghazal artists. His outstanding rendering techniques of Purab and PunjabAng have no match. He captured the audience all over India and Pakistan with his unique style of music.

Barkat Ali Khan - Ras Ke Bhare Tore Nain :

Barkat Ali Khan - Kahe Satavo Mohe Sanwariya :

Barkat Ali Khan - Lagi Naheen Chhootay :

Barkat Ali Khan - Torey Naina Jadu Bhare :

Ustad Barkat Ali Khan's famous disciples include Ghazal singers Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, actress singer Noor Jehan, Begum Akhtar and many more. He died a premature death at the age of 57.

The list of desiples itself is evident that how much great Barkat aliji was.Present day thumri singers should observe the beauty of elaborating the sahitya bhava and ending the sum gracefully and variations of swaras gracefully. Worth downloading